What To Know
- If you’re on the road and need to recharge your camera battery, a car charger with a USB port can come in handy.
- If you have a laptop or computer with a USB port, you can use it to charge your Canon 5D Mark IV battery.
- If you use a battery grip for your Canon 5D Mark IV, it often comes with a dedicated charger that allows you to charge both the camera battery and the battery grip’s battery simultaneously.
You’re in the middle of a shoot, your Canon 5D Mark IV is running low on juice, and your charger is nowhere to be found. Panic sets in, but don’t despair! There are ways to charge your Canon 5D Mark IV battery without a dedicated charger. This blog post will explore various methods and tips to help you power up your camera and keep shooting.
Understanding the Canon 5D Mark IV Battery
The Canon 5D Mark IV uses a LP-E6N battery, a powerful lithium-ion battery designed for high-performance photography. While these batteries are known for their longevity, they can still drain quickly during intensive shooting sessions.
Method 1: USB Charging with a Power Bank
One of the most convenient methods for charging your Canon 5D Mark IV battery without a dedicated charger is using a power bank. Most power banks come with USB-A ports, so you’ll need a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect to the camera’s USB port.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose a power bank: Select a power bank with sufficient capacity to fully charge your LP-E6N battery. A 10,000mAh power bank should be enough for multiple charges.
2. Connect the cable: Plug one end of the USB-C to USB-A cable into your camera’s USB port and the other end into the power bank.
3. Turn on the power bank: Ensure the power bank is turned on and providing power.
4. Wait for charging: The camera’s charging indicator will light up, indicating that the battery is charging. The charging time will vary depending on the power bank’s output and the battery’s remaining charge.
Important Considerations:
- Charging speed: USB charging is generally slower than using a dedicated charger.
- Power bank compatibility: Not all power banks are compatible with camera charging. Check the power bank’s specifications to ensure it supports USB charging for cameras.
- Battery life: The amount of charge you get from a power bank will depend on its capacity.
Method 2: Car Charger with USB Port
If you’re on the road and need to recharge your camera battery, a car charger with a USB port can come in handy.
Follow these steps:
1. Connect the car charger: Plug the car charger into your car’s cigarette lighter socket.
2. Connect the cable: Use a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect the car charger‘s USB port to your camera’s USB port.
3. Wait for charging: The camera’s charging indicator will light up, indicating that the battery is charging.
Important Considerations:
- Car charger compatibility: Ensure the car charger has enough power output to charge your camera battery.
- Car battery: Make sure your car battery has enough charge to power the car charger.
Method 3: Charging with a Laptop or Computer
If you have a laptop or computer with a USB port, you can use it to charge your Canon 5D Mark IV battery.
Here’s how:
1. Connect the cable: Use a USB-C to USB-A cable to connect your camera’s USB port to your laptop or computer’s USB port.
2. Enable USB power delivery: On some laptops, you may need to enable USB power delivery in the BIOS settings to ensure sufficient power for charging.
3. Wait for charging: The camera’s charging indicator will light up, indicating that the battery is charging.
Important Considerations:
- Power output: Ensure your laptop or computer provides enough power to charge the camera battery.
- Data transfer: While charging, your camera may also be transferring data to your computer.
Method 4: Using a Battery Grip with a Dedicated Charger
If you use a battery grip for your Canon 5D Mark IV, it often comes with a dedicated charger that allows you to charge both the camera battery and the battery grip’s battery simultaneously. This is a convenient option if you have a battery grip and need to charge both batteries quickly.
Method 5: Using a Third-Party Battery Charger
There are various third-party battery chargers available that are compatible with the Canon LP-E6N battery. These chargers are often more affordable than Canon’s official charger and can be a great option if you need an extra charger or want a faster charging speed.
Important Considerations:
- Compatibility: Ensure the third-party charger is compatible with your Canon LP-E6N battery.
- Safety: Choose a charger from a reputable brand and check for safety certifications.
Tips for Prolonging Battery Life
While charging methods are helpful in a pinch, it’s always best to maximize your battery life to avoid unexpected situations. Here are some tips:
- Turn off features you don’t need: Disable features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS when not in use.
- Use the viewfinder: The LCD screen consumes more power than the viewfinder.
- Reduce screen brightness: Lowering the screen brightness can save battery life.
- Shoot in RAW mode sparingly: RAW files are larger and require more processing power, which can drain the battery faster.
- Use a spare battery: Having a spare battery on hand is always a good idea, especially for extended shooting sessions.
Final Thoughts: Power Up and Keep Shooting
Finding yourself without a dedicated charger for your Canon 5D Mark IV doesn’t have to be a photography nightmare. By exploring the methods outlined in this blog post, you can power up your camera and keep shooting without missing a beat. Remember to prioritize safety and compatibility when using alternative charging methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I charge my Canon 5D Mark IV battery using a USB wall adapter?
Yes, you can use a USB wall adapter with a USB-C to USB-A cable to charge your camera battery. Just make sure the wall adapter provides enough power output.
2. Is it safe to charge my battery with a third-party charger?
Yes, it’s generally safe to use a third-party charger as long as it’s compatible with your battery and comes from a reputable brand. Look for safety certifications like UL or CE.
3. How long does it take to charge a Canon 5D Mark IV battery using a power bank?
The charging time depends on the power bank‘s capacity and the battery’s remaining charge. Generally, it can take several hours to fully charge a battery using a power bank.
4. What are the risks of using a car charger to charge my camera battery?
Using a car charger can increase the risk of overheating or damaging your battery if the car charger doesn‘t provide enough power or is not compatible with your camera.
5. Can I use a USB cable to charge my battery in a car?
Yes, you can use a USB cable to charge your battery in a car if you have a car charger with a USB port. Just make sure the car charger provides enough power to charge your battery.
